To Facecam, or Not to Facecam?

[Daemon White]

Using a facecam was something that I planned on doing from the start in my series of Let's Plays. I thought of it as enabling / allowing a closer host-audience relation throughout the video. But based on feedback I got from various other places, I removed the facecam ever since my 5th episode and now I'm thinking about bringing it back after some more practice with recording without it.

What are your opinions on gaming channels that use facecam? If you were to compare one of my videos where I used the facecam compared to ones where I don't, what is your recommendation for me? Was a better with, or without it?

 

[Tahrgat]

I have always felt that face cam has its time and place. My advice to you would be to use it in lets play series that merit it. Games that will make people want to see your expressions. Like a game that makes you mad or a game that scares you would be prime material. That is just my thoughts.

 

[ImAshone]

Face cam is good i guess it lets your viewers feel like they're more involved with your channel and such, but it all depends on what you prefer i mean its your channel at the end of the day, if you feel you enjoy it more with face cam then for sure go with what you want

 

[TurboMotionZGaming]

Only facecam if you are comfortable on camera. If you are camera shy try to stay away from facecams. Personally I am waiting until I reach 1000 subs before I even show my face just to give people an incentive to subscribe.

 

[Daemon White]

I'm going to try facecam on the next video and see how well it goes over. I'm not shy at all with cameras either.

 

[Jennifer Mulkerrin]

I think facecam can add a lot, I'd recommend it if you make sure to keep a steady flow of talking or interaction with those watching. If you sit there for long periods of time or don't look natural on camera I wouldn't recommend.

 

[Daemon White]

I'm going to re-add the camera after looking at my analytics. When I started LPing Rayman 2, I was managing ~25% audience retention. As soon as I dropped it, I got ~15%, and it's dropped to nearly 0% recently, so I'm taking that as Facecam is a good thing. I'll probably be recording tonight, once I get a bunch of things done including groceries so I can survive for another week.

 

[Zero]

Only game that are quite funny or very scary should have the facecam. It's not for constant use. The only acceptable time to facecam is livestreaming.

 

[MarkRodriguez2012]

I guess it depends on if you find the perfect spot to put it. I don't know... but stuff like a banner and face cam does help make the video stand out as your own and makes it different from everyone elses.